Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Exoplanet and Stellar Research in support of the Habitable Worlds Observatory Arizona State University - 4.2 Tempe, AZ Job Details Full-time $71,000 a year 15 hours ago Qualifications Doctor of Philosophy Full Job Description Location Tempe Campus Open Date Sep 21, 2026 Description The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for two postdoctoral positions to work in collaboration with Professor Evgenya Shkolnik on Exoplanet and Stellar Research in support of the Habitable Worlds Observatory, NASA's next flagship mission. Postdoctoral research scholars will have the opportunity to lead aspects of their research and subsequent publications and will have full access to world-class telescopes and instruments through the Arizona telescope system, along with access to national ground- and space-based facilities. The Arizona telescope system provides access to the 11-meter equivalent Large Binocular Telescope on Mt. Graham, the 6.5-meter MMT on Mt. Hopkins, the 2.2-meter Bok telescope on Kitt Peak (all in Arizona), and the twin 6.5-meter Magellan telescopes at Las Campanas Observatories in Chile, along with several smaller telescopes. These facilities have a large suite of state-of-the-art instruments, providing both imaging and spectroscopy at both optical and near-infrared wavelengths. In addition, SESE hosts an interdisciplinary theoretical program, laboratories for the development of state-of-the-art instrumentation, and extensive computing facilities, including in-house parallel supercomputers. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with an anticipated start date in January 2027. The initial appointment is for one year and may be renewed annually for up to two additional years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, university needs, and available resources. The position includes an annual salary of $71,000 and funding for travel. School of Earth and Space Exploration SESE is an interdisciplinary department, bringing together all of Earth and Space Science at ASU, including astrophysics, astrobiology, cosmology, planetary science, and geology. ASU faculty and scientists benefit from access to many telescopes, including the 6.5m Magellan telescopes in Chile, the 2x8.4m Large Binocular Telescope, the 6.5m MMT telescope, and a host of 2m-class telescopes owned and operated by the State of Arizona. ASU is also a partner in the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). Professor Shkolnik is also the PI of the SPARCS ultraviolet space mission, so access to SPARCS data and new observations is also a possibility. Read more about SESE at https://sese.asu.edu/. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University, committed to improving communities on a local, national and global scale. We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College, our faculty engage with a large, curious student body, guiding them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit https://thecollege.asu.edu. Arizona State University ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university. As articulated in the ASU Charter, ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.

Qualifications Essential Functions:

Perform independent scientific research in collaboration with Prof. Shkolnik in support of NASA's next flagship mission, the Habitable Worlds Observatory. Conduct original research addressing important questions in preparation for HWO Document findings and publish high-impact results Present at scientific meetings Engage in research collaborations Help enhance the societal impacts of science and engineering through community outreach or other activities

Required Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Physics, Astrophysics, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, or closely related field by the start date of appointment Candidates must be within four years from receipt of the doctoral degree.

Desired Qualifications:

A compelling research proposal with the potential to make significant contributions to understanding our what is needed to understand the search for life in exoplanetary systems. Relevant areas include, but are not limited to: o Observational, theoretical, or computational studies of exoplanets, stars and/or the sun. o Development and application of advanced methods in statistics, data science, numerical simulation, and scientific software. A demonstrated record of research achievement and scholarly productivity, as evidenced by publications, presentations, software, instrumentation contributions, or other accomplishments that indicate strong potential to carry out the proposed research program. Evidence of successful collaboration and teamwork, with the ability to develop new partnerships across the broader research community. Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities to advance the principles of the

ASU Charter Application Instructions Application Instructions:

The application deadline is October 26, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following application materials: Cover letter Current curriculum vitae Contact information for three references (email and phone number). References can extend onto additional pages. Research overview no longer than 3 pages (including figures) using 12-point font.

The overview should include:

A summary of your current and previous work A research proposal addressing key questions that need to be answered in support of HWO's search for life on exoplanets.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU's full nondiscrimination statement (ACD 401) is located on the ASU website at https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.

html and https:

//www.asu.edu/titleIX.

Clery Act Statement :

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456. Application Process This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Application Instructions Application Instructions:

The application deadline is October 26, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following application materials: Cover letter Current curriculum vitae Contact information for three references (email and phone number). References can extend onto additional pages. Research overview no longer than 3 pages (including figures) using 12-point font.

The overview should include:

A summary of your current and previous work A research proposal addressing key questions that need to be answered in support of HWO's search for life on exoplanets.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU's full nondiscrimination statement (ACD 401) is located on the ASU website at https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.

html and https:

//www.asu.edu/titleIX.

Clery Act Statement :

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.